From Deseret News archives:
Keep the public in PSC
That's what Questar Gas has asked the PSC to do. The natural gas utility has recommended that the PSC adopt administrative rules that would restrict individual Utahns from fully participating in rate cases.
The PSC needs to reject this recommendation out of hand. While it may not violate the letter of the petition clause of the First Amendment, it violates the spirit. It's a huge public relations gaffe on the part of Questar, which enjoys a near-monopoly status in Utah's marketplace.
If people can't play a substantive role in a hearing regarding proposed utility rate changes, what is their avenue of redress? Must they be represented by legal counsel to have their point of view heard by a public entity? No other governmental entity operates under such conditions, including the PSC. That should not change.
PSC members or parties with matters before the commission may not enjoy the idea of a public process. No question, public processes can be messy and time consuming. People have a right to petition their government and by virtue of election or political appointment, public officials have a duty to hear the public.
There's no doubt that Questar wishes it didn't have to contend with the likes of Ball. But it has to cope with all aspects of a regulatory system. The national trend in recent years has shifted to deregulating public utilities, but Utah isn't there yet. As the PSC contemplates new administrative rules regarding the role of individual Utahns in rate cases, they should opt for the existing process.
Comments
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime 1:11 a.m.
- UVU beats SUU; USU wins big 12:57 a.m.
- BYU spikers end season with a loss 12:55 a.m.
- Iverson may be headed to 76ers 12:34 a.m.
- Credit Coug defense for win 12:33 a.m.
- Aggies blow away T-birds 12:32 a.m.
- Mo steals show in Cavaliers' victory 12:31 a.m.
- Editorial: Facilitate Big Brother? 12:22 a.m.
- Mom befriends wife of PTSD vet 12:21 a.m.
- Political clash over U.S. debt 12:21 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
394 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
130 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
115 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
115 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Hall's legacy measured today
75 - Y. focused on 10-win season
73 - Letters: C02 causes warming
70
It's BEER, not acid people! Some people love having it sprayed on themselves....
I believe Max Hall cemented his legacy tonight with his lack of...
I find it interesting that these comment come after a so-so performance in a...
If you really think BYU is more arrogant than USC or UCLA or so many other...
cougars baby!!!!!
I have one word for the BYU AND UTAH fans: TCU!!!! hahahaha
Two great examples of lack of class surfaced tonight: Pete Carroll, USC's...
Don't forget my favorite Max stat. 2 out of 3. Yeah, I bet that...
Thanks for the comment Max! I hope you keep on playing just like you have...
Neat article! (Yes, I'm a little biased :) It's been an exciting time to be...


You can be the first to comment on this story.